Office of International Programs and Services

Pre-Completion OPT

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What is Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience before completing their academic program. Students may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term (fall and spring) and full-time during official school breaks, such as the summer. However, students should consider how participation in pre-completion OPT affects their eligibility for other types of work authorizations. See below for more details.  

If you are considering Pre-Completion OPT, we encourage you to review the details on this page and consult with an international advisor to discuss your options. 

Pre-Completion OPT and the 12-Month Rule 

F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT per academic degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.). However, any Pre-Completion OPT usage will count toward this 12-month total.  

  • Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT combined cannot exceed 12 months.  
  • Part-Time Pre-Completion OPTis deducted at half the rate.

For example: 

  • If you use 6 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, it counts as3 months of your total 12-month OPT allowance, leaving 9 months available for Post-Completion OPT. 
  • If you use 6 months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT, it counts as6 months, leaving only 6 months for Post-Completion OPT. 

Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT

To qualify for Pre-Completion OPT, students must: 

  • Complete at least one full academic year (two consecutive terms: fall and spring) in a valid non-immigrant status in full-time study in a degree program and be in F-1 status at the time of application. 
  • Remain enrolled full-time while working under Pre-Completion OPT during academic terms. 
  • Apply no earlier than 90 days before meeting the one-year academic requirement. After the one-year requirement is met, students can apply no earlier than 90 days before their desired start date. 

Note: 

  • If a studentchanges degree levels or majorsafter completing one academic year, they must complete an additional semester before becoming eligible again. 
  • Example: An F-1 student who began a B.A. in Computer Science in Fall 2023 would become eligible for Pre-Completion OPT in Summer 2024, after completing two full semesters.
  • Example: An F-1 student who completed a B.A. in Spring 2024 and then started a Master’s in Fall 2024 would be eligible for Pre-Completion OPT Spring 2025.

Application Timeline 

  • Students meeting the one-year academic requirement can apply up to 90 days before their intended start date. 
  • Students who have not yet completed one full academic year may apply 90 daysbefore completing the requirement. 

Since USCIS processing times can vary, we encourage students to apply as early as possible. 

Application Process for Pre-Completion OPT  

  1. Complete the OPT Workshop. 
  2. Request an OPT I-20. 
  3. Prepare your OPT Application Packet.  
  4. Sign your new OPT I-20. 
  5. Submit your application to USCIS online (recommended) or by mail. 

Important Considerations 

  • Separate Applications for Pre- and Post-Completion OPT: 

Pre-Completion OPT cannot extend beyond your program end date. If you plan to work after graduation, you must apply separately for Post-Completion OPT.  

Learn more about Post-Completion OPT.  

 

  • STEM OPT and Pre-Completion OPT: 

You cannot apply for a STEM OPT extension while on Pre-Completion OPT. If you use 12 months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT, you will be ineligible for STEM OPT. Learn more about STEM OPT here.  

 

  • No Job Offer Required to Apply: 

You do not need a job offer to apply for Pre-Completion OPT. 

 

  • If you are using Pre-Completion OPT in the spring semester, you may not be eligible to work full-time over the summer without applying separately. 
  • According to SEVIS guidance:
  • Students on Pre-Completion OPT may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. 
  • Students eligible to register for the next term and planning to do so may work full-time when school is not in session. 

However, regulations vary, and we recommend speaking with an international advisor for confirmation. 

End Date Calculator

Calculate your OPT end date based on your start date and remaining OPT days.

Your OPT will end on:

Past OPT(s) Calculator

Have you previously used any OPT at your current academic level? Use our calculator to find out the number of OPT days you have remaining to calculate your end date.

You have: 365 days left to do another OPT